Evaluating a Train-the-Trainer Approach for Increasing EBP Training Capacity in Community Mental Health

Research suggests the train-the-trainer (TtT) model may be an effective approach to training community mental health providers in evidence-based practice (EBP). This study compared pre- and post-training consultation outcomes as well as standardized measures of trainer attributes and behaviors between university-based master trainers and experienced community-based supervisors, trained under the TtT approach. Findings suggest local and master trainers are equivalent in terms of clinical teaching effectiveness and trainee-perceived charisma. Master trainers may have higher trainee-perceived credibility, but training and consultation outcomes are equivalent across the types of trainers, with the exception of behavioral problems where clinicians trained by local trainers and master trainers saw significantly greater growth than those who received training and consultation by master trainers.